Barbara A. Landis

FALMOUTH – Barbara A. Landis passed away peacefully on Nov. 12, 2022, at the age of 95. Born to Philip and Tillie Rosenbloom on June 24, 1927, Barbara grew up on the upper west side of Manhattan with her two brothers, Alan and Wayne Roberts, both deceased. Barbara often spoke fondly of her “wonderful childhood” having Central Park as her playground and summering in Milford Connecticut.

In 1943, Barbara met the love of her life, Bennett Landis, who informed her on their first date that he would marry her, and on June 1st, 1947, he did just that. Barbara and Bennett had two children, Leslie Landis Reis, of Freeport Maine, and Peter J. Landis of Cape Elizabeth Maine. Barbara raised her family in Woodmere New York until her children were grown. Once empty nesters, Barbara and Bennett moved into New York City and proceeded to build their dream vacation home in Great Barrington Massachusetts. Upon Bennett’s retirement, the couple’s vacation home became their full-time residence. Barbara often said that many of the best times of their lives took place in that house. In 2006 Barbara and Bennett moved to Falmouth Maine to be closer to their children. Barbara lived her final days in the Sam L. Cohen Household at Cedars where she received excellent care from the staff.

Barbara loved to travel and with her husband traveled throughout the United States, Europe and parts of Asia. Barbara and Bennett particularly fell in love with the South West of the United States and escaped the cold Berkshire winters in Tucson, Arizona.

Barbara could often be found on the tennis court or the golf course well into her 80’s. She loved mahjong and taught others the game at the Portland JCC. Barbara was an avid reader, crocheter, and loved a good shopping trip. She had an excellent eye and a flair for decorating. She loved entertaining her numerous friends and was often the life of the party.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Leslie and her husband, Michael Reis of Freeport Maine, and her son Peter and his wife Karen Landis of Cape Elizabeth Maine; her grandchildren, Aaron Reis and his wife Margo of Falmouth, Maine, Rachelle Willard and her husband Julian of Marlborough, Massachusetts, Emily Jackson and her husband Crosley of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Hanna O’Meara and her husband Sam of Cape Elizabeth, Maine and Sarah Burkholder and her husband David of West Seneca, New York. Barbara also leaves behind her 9 beloved great grandchildren, Tillie Reis, Jack Willard, Miles, Max, and Sydney Jackson, Brixton and Otto O’Merea, and Oliver and Oskar Burkholder, who brought her much joy and a smile to her face.

Family meant the world to Barbara, and she meant the world to them. Barbara was outgoing and had an incredible sense of humor. There were no awkward silences when Barbara was around. Barbara had a way about her that put those she was with at ease and often shared her wisdom and life experiences with those she loved. She will be missed by many.

Barbara’s family would particularly like to thank Sue Rawcliffe, a constant and beloved companion who took such good care of her in her final years.

Barbara’s family will be celebrating her life in a private memorial service.